DESCRIPTION: First French edition of this original antique early plan of Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Carmel Bay in California. This map is the earliest obtainable map of the Monterey and Carmel region.
Because this chart is the only one of Perouse's charts based on his own exploration some dealers consider this map to be a foundational map for all collectors of 18th century California cartography.
The fine hand-colored chart shows the very small town of Carmel with the Mission de St. Charles, and the Presidio at a distance. The map makes it possible to understand how the development of local transportation routes was impacted by the area's geography. Locates an anchorage (mouillage"), Pointe du Nouvel-an (New Year Point near Santa Cruz) and the Montagnes de St. Lucie. Rhumb lines in the bay with north oriented to the left. A scarce map of the area.
As a French explorer and naval officer la Perouse (1741-1788?) was tasked by King Louis XVI of France with completing the Pacific exploration begun by British Captain James Cook. Aboard the ships Astrolabe and Boussole, la Perouse and his crew mapped the west coast of North America and Alaska in 1786 and visited Easter Island and the Sandwich Islands ( Hawaii ). After reaching Australia's Botany Bay in 1788 his ships were lost at sea while searching for the Solomon Islands.
This map is from the French edition of the "Atlas du voyage de La Perouse". L. Aubert scripsit. Plate 34.
Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse (1741-1788?)
La Pérouse.was a renowned French explorer and naval officer. He was commissioned by King Louis XVI of France to complete the Pacific exploration initiated by British Captain James Cook. La Pérouse embarked on his expedition in 1785 with the ships Astrolabe and Boussole, along with a skilled crew.
During their journey, La Pérouse and his team charted the west coast of North America and Alaska in 1786, exploring the coasts of present-day Oregon and California. They also visited Easter Island and the Sandwich Islands (now known as Hawaii), further expanding their knowledge of the Pacific. The expedition reached Australia's Botany Bay in 1788, marking another significant milestone in their journey.
Unfortunately, while searching for the Solomon Islands, La Pérouse and his ships disappeared at sea, never to be found again. His disappearance remains one of the great mysteries of naval history. Despite the tragic end to his journey, La Pérouse's exploration of the Pacific contributed valuable knowledge to the world of cartography and helped pave the way for future explorers.
PUBLICATION DATE: 1797
GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States
BODY OF WATER: Pacific Ocean
CONDITION: Very Good.
Bright with wide margins. A fine impression on strong chain-laid paper. No folds. Small repair to verso near center of the bay.
COLORING: Careful, beautiful, hand-coloring.
ENGRAVER: L. Aubert
SIZE: 13
" x
19 "
ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 10
PRICE: $950
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